How did law firms evolve from professional partnerships into large business enterprises? In this episode, Mark C. Zauderer reflects on five decades of change in the legal industry, examining the rise of centralized management, the decline of mentorship, growing profitability pressures, and the influence of political and social forces on modern law firms.
n this article based on a recent Emerging Litigation Podcast conversation, Tom Hagy explores why veteran litigator Jonathan Sablone left Big Law to launch a fractional legal services practice. The discussion examines litigation management, alternative fee arrangements, and the growing demand for experienced legal counsel on a flexible basis.
The traditional path from outside counsel to full-time in-house lawyer is evolving. In this episode, Jonathan Sablone discusses his transition from Big Law litigator to fractional general counsel, and how companies are leveraging flexible, senior legal talent to manage disputes, risk, and strategy without building a full internal legal department.
In this webinar, Tom Hagy and Paul Ryplewski share a practical, editorially grounded approach to using AI in law firm content development. Drawing on legal and marketing expertise, they explain how firms can generate stronger ideas, improve clarity, and repurpose existing content—while maintaining accuracy, judgment, and authentic voice. The session offers actionable strategies for integrating AI into legal marketing workflows without sacrificing credibility or control.
In this article, Cat Gavrilidis of Swift Currie examines how inconsistent testimony can undermine summary judgment and how courts apply the sham affidavit rule when affidavits contradict prior deposition statements. She explores jurisdictional differences and outlines practical steps attorneys can take to prevent contradictions, correct the record, and protect a well-founded motion before trial.
The FTC has warned major U.S. law firms that participation in diversity certification programs could raise antitrust concerns, framing coordinated diversity efforts as a potential labor-market competition issue. This article examines the Commission’s cautionary letters regarding the Mansfield Certification program, the broader pattern of executive branch pressure on law firms and media organizations, and recent court decisions addressing discrimination claims and government retaliation. It also explores how antitrust enforcement, free speech concerns, and regulatory scrutiny are converging to reshape the legal and media landscapes. As political pressure and enforcement intensify, firms must reassess collaborative initiatives while preserving independence and competitive integrity.
In a JD Supra Office Hours session, legal content strategist Tom Hagy shared practical guidance on how law firm marketers can use AI to strengthen — not replace — their content development process. Framing AI as an editorial assistant rather than an author, Hagy explained how marketers can use the technology to generate better ideas, improve structure, translate legal complexity for business audiences, and repurpose existing firm content more effectively. He also emphasized that human judgment remains essential for accuracy, voice, and credibility. The discussion offers a clear, practical roadmap for integrating AI into law firm marketing workflows while maintaining editorial standards and client trust.
